This week, commencing 13th April, Fashion-Enter Ltd’s factory in Haringey, North London, opened its doors to a diverse range of industry groups eager to gain first-hand insight into modern garment manufacturing. Led by industry expert Caroline Ash, the sessions provided an immersive experience, connecting academic theory and commercial practice directly on the factory floor.
One of the standout visits of the week welcomed an exceptional group of postgraduate students from India, all currently studying a Masters in Family Managed Business. Many of the students came from established textile, apparel, trading and manufacturing family enterprises, bringing with them a strong foundation of industry knowledge. With many set to return home to lead or modernise their family businesses, the visit offered a valuable opportunity to explore innovative approaches and operational excellence in a live production environment.
The session proved highly interactive, with a constant flow of thoughtful questions, not only from the students but also from their professor. A key point of interest was Fashion-Enter Ltd’s status as a social enterprise, which sparked considerable discussion around ethical manufacturing and sustainable business models. The factory tour itself was a highlight, particularly the introduction to AI-driven technology, which generated genuine excitement and curiosity among the group. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting both the depth of engagement and the relevance of the experience.
The factory also welcomed back the team from Boden, with representatives from Buying & Merchandising, Technical, and Design departments in attendance. The session was fast-paced and energised, covering a wide range of topics tailored to the needs of a busy commercial team. With active participation and insightful questions throughout, the group engaged deeply with the practical realities of garment production.
Attendees from Boden shared that they left with valuable, applicable knowledge that would directly support their day-to-day roles, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between design, development, and manufacturing.
These visits underline Fashion-Enter Ltd’s ongoing commitment to education, transparency, and industry collaboration. By inviting both emerging leaders and established professionals onto the factory floor, the organisation continues to play a vital role in shaping a more informed, innovative, and responsible fashion industry.
Feedback included…
SP Jain India:
“It was a great experience, a lot to learn.”
“I gained a deep insight into the clothing and fashion industry. Very amazing experience.”
“I learnt how sustainability is important in fashion as it’s one of the most polluting industries.”
Boden:
“Really great experience! Super informative, I’ve learnt a lot.”
“I have learnt an incredible amount about the complexities within factory garment production, especially for compliance, which will enable more understanding and a better relationship with suppliers moving forward.”
“Fascinating – I think all BAA’s should do this session. Thank you!”
“I learnt so much from this and really enjoyed it. Learning about costings was especially valuable and explained in a way that was easy to understand. Also loved the see the variety in the types of garments you make here – so impressive. Loved the AI feature too – would love even more on this. Thank you.”